E3 2003: Sega's Huge Lineup

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Service Games mixes retro with contemporary at this year's show.

By IGN Staff

In what could best be described as Sega's biggest Electronic Entertainment Expo ever, the 2003 lineup that the company officially announced this morning consists of nearly 20 titles across all major platforms. Including the return of several 16-bit and modern-day franchises, Sega's roster is also boasting several new original titles that are appearing for the first time anywhere.

"With an impressive lineup of world-class entertainment and sports titles, Sega's E3 2003 showing is testament to our legendary properties and franchises and the strength of our world-renowned development talent," said Tetsu Kayama, president and CEO, Sega of America, Inc. "With an enormous catalog of iconic character-driven franchises and a completely redesigned 2K4 sports series, SEGA is committed to delivering industry leading content across all platforms in 2003 and beyond."

Sega's E3 2003 list is highlighted in the bullet points below:

Sonic Heroes Everyone's favorite hedgehog returns with his buddies Knuckles and Tails in what Sega is calling "the next evolution" of Sonic the Hedgehog videogames. Allowing players to control all three characters simultaneously with a unique team-based approach, the latest platformer from Sonic Team will span several massive levels and worlds, and utilize three different team formations for different gameplay results. Supposedly, the triplets will face off against "The Ultimate Evil". Whether or not that evil is Dr. Robotnik, we have yet to find out. (GCN, PS2, Xbox)

Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg Yuji Naka and Sonic Team join forces one again for this GameCube-exclusive platformer. Taking place in a kingdom of magic, the story follows an evil king who has captured the creatures of the realm for hid own diabolical bidding. You as the player will take control of the young hero, Billy Hatchet as he dons a legendary power suit in order to collect special eggs for puzzle solving and ability growth. Sounds bizarre, but considering the development muscle behind this one, we're definitely intrigued! (GameCube)

Vectorman The oppressive robot dictator known as Volt is terrorizing the galaxy, and it's up to the part changing Vectorman to stop him. Based on the popular late-generation Genesis hero of the same name, Vectorman is an open-ended action/adventure title that boasts destructible environments and attachment upgrades as its main appeal. Expect several different ways to approach each particular level. (PlayStation 2)

Headhunter: Redemption Jack Wade returns for action in what's being described as a cinematic action/adventure opus with dark undertones. Teaming up with his dependent, Leeza X, Jack is out to stop a ring of dangerous smugglers from unleashing a terrible catastrophe. No word yet on what additions or changes have been made from the original game's engine, but we'll keep you posted. (PlayStation 2)

Otogi - Myth of Demons Sega's super actioner is one of the most beautiful import games we've ever seen, and it's great to know that the American version is finally coming out. Based on actual myths and folklore, this Ancient Japanese based mayhem simulator has plenty of destructible environments, 30 weapons, and 12 types of magic spells. (Xbox)